EN 60068-2-45:1992

Overview

EN 60068-2-45:1992 (Test Xa) - Environmental testing - Part 2: Tests - Immersion in cleaning solvents - is a CLC/EN standard that specifies the procedure and guidance for immersing electronic components and parts mounted on printed circuit boards (PCBs) in cleaning solvents. The standard is intended for use where cleaning operations are part of assembly or maintenance processes and provides information on suitable test solvents and test temperatures. This document was adopted as SIST EN 60068-2-45:2002 in Slovenia (ICS 19.040).

Key topics and requirements

• Scope and applicability
  • Applies to electronic components and other parts mounted on PCBs that may be subjected to solvent cleaning.
  • Focuses on evaluating the component’s resistance to immersion and solvent exposure without inventing specific procedural values beyond those given in the standard.
• Test Xa definition
  • Defines the immersion test procedure (Test Xa) and associated guidance for carrying out immersion in cleaning solvents.
• Test solvents and temperatures
  • Provides information on recommended test solvents and acceptable test temperature ranges relevant to common cleaning agents used in electronics manufacture and repair.
• Guidance and assessment
  • Offers guidance on preparing specimens, conducting immersion, and assessing post-test condition for signs of degradation, contamination, or functional impairment.
• Documentation and repeatability
  • Emphasizes consistent test setup, records of solvent identity and temperature, and reproducible test conditions to support quality and reliability assessments.

Applications

EN 60068-2-45 is practical for organizations involved in electronics manufacturing, assembly and maintenance:

• PCB and electronic component manufacturers - to validate that components tolerate cleaning processes without performance loss.
• Assembly houses and contract manufacturers - to qualify cleaning processes and specification of acceptable solvents and temperatures.
• Quality assurance and reliability engineers - for inclusion in environmental test programs and failure analysis.
• Compliance teams and procurement - to define acceptance criteria for components subject to solvent cleaning.
• Service and repair workshops - to choose cleaning methods that minimize damage to mounted parts.

Related standards

• Part of the broader EN/IEC 60068 series of environmental testing standards covering a range of climatic and mechanical tests (e.g., shock, vibration, humidity). Users often apply EN 60068-2-45 in combination with other environmental tests to fully assess component robustness.

Keywords: EN 60068-2-45, immersion in cleaning solvents, environmental testing, PCB cleaning test, electronic components, test solvents, test temperature, CLC, standard.